Traffic Alert Instruments

[Guest davey49au]

Can anyone explain how Traffic Alert systems work?

 

Do they only "see" another plane if that other plane has a GPS switched on?

 

How do they interact with radar to "see" other planes?

 

Can they "see" a plane that does not have a GPS?

 

Are they a worthwhile investment?

 

 

[Matt]

Hi Davey,

 

Traffic alert systems actually work on transponders, not GPS. These systems will alert you to aircraft within a particular range that are transponder equipped and have them turned on. Effectively they work by receiving transponder transmissions to determine range & direction and display this information on a basic display. It does not provide "resolution" information i.e. it won't tell you what to do to avoid another aircraft, it will only identify it to you...which of course relies on other aircraft being transponder equipped.